U.S. Requires Military Presence in Syria to Prevent Resurgence of ISIS, Claims CENTCOM Nominee
In the midst of shifting Syrian leadership and ongoing security challenges, the United States has kept approximately 1,500 to 2,000 troops in Syria as of June 2025. These forces are primarily engaged in anti-ISIS operations and supporting local partners such as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Recent developments have seen a reduction of about 500 U.S. troops, consolidating forces at one or two bases like al-Tanf. However, a further withdrawal could potentially undermine the fight against IS if the new Syrian government or other actors are not yet capable of managing security challenges independently.
Strategic analysts recommend maintaining a flexible U.S. presence of around 1,000-2,000 troops, operating from multiple bases. This force level and posture would enable the U.S. to continue backing the SDF, exert influence over the new Damascus authorities, and help stabilize the area as Syria transitions under new leadership.
The broader Syrian conflict includes additional complexities such as Israeli military actions inside Syria, and humanitarian crises. However, the U.S. role currently focuses on the counter-ISIS mission rather than broader regime change or conflict resolution.
The Islamic State group is still considered a threat and a priority for the U.S. military. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the nominee for the head of U.S. Central Command, has expressed concern that the Islamic State group might exploit tensions in Syria as it attempts to make a comeback.
The U.S. and the Syrian Democratic Forces have stayed clear of Syria's civil war. Together, they helped collapse the ISIS self-styled caliphate in 2019 and are now trying to prevent the group's resurgence.
The new Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who leads the Islamist rebel group Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that swept to power last December, is a vital partner in the campaign against ISIS, according to U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack. However, the future number of U.S. troops in Syria may depend on the involvement of Sharaa's government in the campaign against ISIS.
President Trump announced last month that he would lift sanctions on Syria, a decision he made with encouragement from Saudi Arabia. This move could potentially pave the way for a more stable partnership between the U.S. and the new Syrian government.
In conclusion, a complete or too-rapid U.S. troop withdrawal could enable an IS resurgence. Therefore, a force of roughly 1,000 to 2,000 troops with operational flexibility and continued local partnerships is essential to sustain counter-ISIS gains given the new Syrian leadership's current limitations.
The Pentagon is considering a continued U.S. presence in Syria, with strategic analysts recommending around 1,000-2,000 troops for this purpose. This military force would help secure the space, maintain defense against potential threats like ISIS, and influence politics in the region, particularly with the new Syrian government. The space force is crucial in preventing the resurgence of ISIS, as the Islamic State group is still considered a major threat and a priority for the U.S. military. Crime and justice also play a role, as the new Syrian president's government involvement could potentially determine the future number of U.S. troops in Syria. General news and war-and-conflicts reports highlight the complexities of this situation, with ongoing security challenges and the potential for a more stable partnership between the U.S. and the new Syrian government, following President Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria with encouragement from Saudi Arabia.
